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The Bell Family

Vanessa Bell

Vanessa Bell is a Latina mom to two multiracial children, building a legacy on her blog, De Su Mama, through the exploration of food culture, mixed family travels and biracial identity. Her award-winning storytelling uplifts a community of multiracial mothers and celebrates their unique parenting experience.

While driving the California coast along Highway 1, immersed in the beauty of our home state, I wondered if it could get any better. We stopped in Big Sur, only for a few hours, to play in a watering hole after filling our bellies at the Big Sur Lodge. That afternoon was magical, and I doubted it could be replicated.

It was raining that day, an ever-so-slight mist, but we ventured down to the creek anyway to see what we could find. A camp ranger at the Ventura Ranch KOA had told us only a few days before the area was completely dry.

California is teeming with richness. From diverse wildlife to endless style, the Golden State offers admirers unique encounters around every turn of a major highway. For me, as a Latina mom having recently moved back to California, this depth of experience also provides exposure for my young kids.

When we moved back to Southern California six months ago, my husband and I ached for experiences that would undeniably enrich our lives; to raise our multiracial children close to family and among our cultures, giving them a strong connection to their heritage. What better way than exploring the origins of Downtown LA and Olvera Street?